John Harrison Wilson, The life of Charles Henry Dana

He did all he could, without reference to hours, to master the studies laid down in the curriculum; but not content with that, he burned midnight oil in lighter and doubtless more agreeable reading. In those days gas was always bad and but little used. At best the main dependence was on candles and whale-oil lamps. Coal-oil and camphene were unknown, and consequently many a pair of good eyes were ruined. Dana's, which from his studious habits must have always been overtaxed, if not naturally weak, gave out while he was reading Oliver Twist by candle-light, and thus compelled to find relief, he retired from college and sought a less exacting occupation.

While at Buffalo he kept up a somewhat desultory correspondence with his family, and especially with his father, who cautioned him to write only “as often by mail as really necessary,” adding, “I live a few rods from the post-office and can in some way pay the postage even if Mr. Kendall (the Postmaster-General) pleases to require specie.” The subjoined letter from his father presents another obstacle than the need of money to his entering college:

At any rate, the information [your aunt gave me] about you is far, very far from being agreeable. She tells me that you have been for a long time in the habit of attending the Unitarian meeting. Is it possible that the smooth sophistry of its supporters and advocates, and the convenient latitude of its doctrines have so beguiled you that you have lost sight of the odious and abominable courses and unfaith to which they unavoidably lead? If so I do not suppose anything your father could say would produce any alteration, still I would raise a warning voice and say ponder well the paths of thy feet lest they lead down to ... the very gates of Hell!

My fears are greatly increased by the suggestion that you expect shortly to go to the Cambridge University. When